Austin for VP

Austin was sooo excited one day he came home and said that he was going to run for President of his school! After looking over Student Council materials, realized only a 5th grader could become President. So quickly, "Then I'll run for VP". Why do you want to be the VP of your school Austin? His answer was so quick and so clear. " I want to help the school. I want to put the POW into fundraisers. I want to help lead the school." Alright. Then let's make our posters! He thought we would try something catchy, something that would attract the age group of his kids that are voting for him. So he wanted a whole Diary of a Wimpy Kid theme. "Greg Heffley's voting for me, are you?" The posters looked great on the walls of Mountain View. Austin had a high chin all week long. They gave their speeches towards the end of the week. There was a lot of finger crossing going on. All the while, I was so impressed my little man actually was excited to do this and that he thinks he might win. At the end of the week, the winners were read and he was not one. He came home off the bus with a his head held down, and in my head I was thinking well he is only in 3rd grade, first time he's run for student senate, etc, kinda shocked he was so down. But it made me so happy to know he really put his ALL into this. He really wanted it and so he campaigned, and really tried hard.

We had a celebratory (win or lose) date at Cupcake Heaven and had a family pow-wow. We talked about what a great experience this was for him to run. That most of life it's, the EXPERIENCE of doing things like this. Getting your name out there. And most importantly, not doing anything just average. When you do something, do it all the way. Like you did Austin! I explained to them that mediocre doesn't count. Mediocricity is not in the Toler home. If you try for something, TRY HARD. Even if you stink at it, TRY HARD.

Then it really doesn't matter if you win or lose.